THE PRESSURE OF ACCEPTANCE
Hello, great minds! I am glad you are holding up. In a world that seems to be constantly evolving, one thing is sure: The need and innate human desire to be accepted. We embark on a journey of approval, recognition, and a sense of belonging when we step into this world. The pressure to be accepted has become a force that controls and shapes our choices, actions, and self-perception. I was speaking to a young man today and from what I deduced, I saw the need for a reorientation for him. This young man found himself in the web of wanting to be accepted at the expense of his true self.
You see! in the digital age that we all find ourselves in, the pressure for acceptance has been heightened especially with the advent of social media. Platforms that were originally designed to connect individuals have become an area for validation. The engagements we get on these platforms have now become the modern-day metrics of acceptance, fueling a constant need for affirmation in the virtual world. The versions of ourselves on these social media platforms often amplify the pressure, pushing individuals to conform to unrealistic standards.
The fear of rejection propels many to subject their authentic yet unique selves, adopting masks to fit into predefined molds. Always remember that the cost of conformity is a sacrifice of uniqueness - an adventure that can erode one's sense of identity over time.
This relentless strain to be acknowledged tends to affect one's mental health, adding to a flood of tension, wretchedness, and deep-seated insecurities. When you continually estimate yourself with outside and external approval, you will soon be caught in the web of what we call identity crisis cum confusion. It is urgent to perceive the mental effect of this pressure for acceptance and effectively cultivate a culture of discovering one's purpose. When the purpose of a thing is not known.........
Back to the young man I was talking about. This boy was so concerned about the need to be accepted that he started adopting strategies and lifestyles that would help him fit into his world. I had to make him understand that we all have something that distinguishes us from any other person in the world and there is a reason why we are wired the way we are. I encouraged him to look within to harness the needed strength that will enable him to stay afloat under the pressure that seems overwhelming. If only he knew that his audience would love the uniqueness of his personality, he wouldn't have adopted the lifestyle I wouldn't want to make mention of here.
In the midst of this wanting to seek acceptance, breaking off the chain of the pressure of acceptance will turn to the adventure of purpose discovey. Embracing individuality and celebrationg your uniqueness will spur one into a height where the externality of what seems to be a pressure becomes a milestone as all we begin to note your unique personality.
To navigate this pressure, you must acknowledge your uniqueness, your weakness, and your strength You will soon be on your journey of a profound sense of freedom.
I hope you find this helpful.
Lots of love from this end!